Here is my opinion... I am an advocate of crate training. That being said, please understand there is a proper way to do it. Crate training is not a substitute fix to stop a dog from being destructive because he is bored or full of energy. As a responsible dog owner it is the owners responsibility to properly exercise the dog before being crated.

Depending on the breed of dog, you need to determine a good exercise to help your dog to expend energy before crating. The idea of the crate while you are at work is hopefully the dog will rest comfortably in it while you are gone. Crating a dog who has not been exercised properly is torture for the dog (my opinion). I hear from too many people who crate the dog but don't exercise them first and it really is a pet peeve with me.

I personally get up half an hour earlier than I need to so I can play frisbee with my dogs before going to work. I can't even take them for a walk because it doesn't expend enough energy for them. Playing frisbee forces them to run, run, run for a sufficient time period for them. I also take them out when I get home to let them run, run, run again chasing their frisbees. They love to play frisbee!

I am not saying you don't exercise your dog so please don't take this offensively. I am just saying too many people crate train incorrectly and it needs to be addressed. If you do exercise them first then I applaud you!!